The band… Read Full Bio ↴Amazulu was a British ska and new wave band from the 1980s.
The band formed primarily as an all female band, except one member, Nardo Bailey on drums. The name "Amazulu" is taken from the Zulu language word for the Zulu people. Former manager for X-Ray Spex and Adam & the Ants, Falcon Stuart discovered the act and helped promote their first single, "Cairo" to modest success in the UK.
The band started gaining appearances on Top of the Pops (1985) and The Young Ones (1984) which helped trigger their fame amongst a wider audience with hits such as "Moonlight Romance" and "Excitable." The band broke into the United States with the "Montego Bay" in 1986. That same year saw the release of their self-titled full length album released on Island Records.
Breaking up in 1987, Anne-Marie Ruddock, Sharon Bailey and Lesley Beach continued to play on as Amazulu II, to little success. Ruddock went on to perform in the Alex Cox film Straight to Hell. The most notable member of the band with later success is Clare Kenny who went on to join Coming Up Roses, and eventually becoming a popular session player performing with Sinead O'Connor, Shakespears Sister and Damien Dempsey.
The Things the Lonely Do
Amazulu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I go to work and back again
There ain't nothing in between
The things the lonely do
I go thumbing through the invites
Always settle for the low lights
I don't like to fill my life
I don't try to understand the talk at parties
'Cause I'm never free
I don't try to make believe the invitations
Are meant for me
Oh, independence always looked fine
So one day I thought I'd make it mine
But I never talk about
The things the lonely do
Are you lonely too
I don't try to understand the talk at parties
'Cause I'm never free
I don't try to make believe the invitations
Are meant for me
Oh, independence always looked fine
So one day I thought I'd make it mine
But I never talk about
The things the lonely do
Close my eyes and count to ten
I go to work and back again
There ain't nothing in between
The things the lonely do
There ain't nothing in between
The things the lonely do
There ain't nothing in between
No, nothing
(Are you lonely too)
Nothing
No, nothing
(Are you lonely too)
Nothing
No, nothing
(Are you lonely too)
Nothing
No, nothing
(Are you lonely too)
No, nothing
Nothing.
The song “The Things the Lonely Do” by Amazulu is an introspective reflection of the things that people do when they feel lonely. The lyrics are a representation of the mundane and unremarkable life that people living in solitude experience. The song starts with the phrase “Close my eyes and count to ten” which symbolizes the need to escape from the reality of being alone by shutting down emotionally. The singer then describes how they just go to work and back without any enjoyable moments in between. This is the kind of life that is devoid of any excitement or adventure.
The next verse talks about how the singer goes through invitations but always settles for the low lights, meaning they never attend high profile events and opt to stay in their comfort zone. The singer doesn't make an effort to try and understand what people are talking about in parties because they feel like they don't fit in. The chorus of the song emphasizes how independence has always looked good to the singer, but they never talk about the things that they do while living alone. The repetition of the phrase “Are you lonely too?” suggests that these activities are common among solitary individuals and that others may also feel the same way.
In conclusion, “The Things the Lonely Do” is a poignant and existential song that speaks to the reality that so many people experience, which is feeling isolated and alone in a world that is always socializing. The song paints a picture of a life that is devoid of meaningful connections and experiences, and the singer is resigned to living this life of loneliness. The song acknowledges the difficulties that come with being alone and how it can be challenging to find a way to connect with others, even in the most seemingly mundane activities.
Line by Line Meaning
Close my eyes and count to ten
I distract myself from my loneliness by temporarily shutting off my senses.
I go to work and back again
My daily routine is monotonous, leaving no room for social interaction.
There ain't nothing in between
My life lacks the middle ground of social connection, leaving only extremes.
The things the lonely do
These actions serve as coping mechanisms for loneliness.
I go thumbing through the invites
I half-heartedly search for social opportunities.
Always settle for the low lights
I choose environments that match my subdued mood.
I don't like to fill my life
I can't bear the idea of trying to manufacture happiness.
With things the lonely do
I recognize that my actions stem from loneliness and not genuine enjoyment.
I don't try to understand the talk at parties
Socializing is not a priority for me, so I don't bother trying to engage in conversation.
'Cause I'm never free
My mind is always preoccupied with feelings of isolation and sadness.
I don't try to make believe the invitations
I don't allow myself to believe that invitations are sincere attempts at befriending me.
Are meant for me
I doubt that I'm truly welcome in social situations.
Oh, independence always looked fine
At first, being alone seemed appealing and empowering.
So one day I thought I'd make it mine
I consciously chose the path of independent living.
But I never talk about
I keep my inner struggles related to loneliness to myself.
The things the lonely do
These actions remain my private coping mechanisms.
Are you lonely too
I wonder if others can relate to the intense feelings of loneliness I experience.
No, nothing
The emptiness and lack of connection remains.
(Are you lonely too)
I'm still searching for others who can understand my loneliness.
Nothing
The repetition of my lonely routine is unfulfilling.
Contributed by Josiah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@1oceanice
the eighties so rocked with Amazulu a hit in all the clubs back home in New Zealand love there album always have always will.
@janepilling4294
Wow gorgeous tune 35 years still love it
@catgirlKL
Lovely song, shame it wasn't a bigger hit, it deserved to be!
@albionvillas
a truely beautiful song... I used to listen to it on repeat whilst studying for exams... the loneliness!
@radio4play
I've also been searching for this for years - one of my favourite ever songs, thanks so much.
@claysonsdad
Lovely warm song.
@MrRichieq
I love this song. It reminds me of growing up in the 80s :-)
@thembikhambule5345
Yooh this group i.ve searching and asking myself where are they.... reminds me when I was growing up in the eighties....🥰🥰♥️♥️
@rammas2
OMG!!!! I've been looking for this song online for years!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!
@adrianmadden
Love this song, have the 12" somewhere in the loft........gorgeous little gem xxxxx